kinney



No. 606,722. Patented July 5, |898.

` R. R. KINNEY &. G. P. BARNARD.

BURIAL APPARATUS.

V(Application led July 29, 1897.)

2 Sheets-Sheet I.

(No Model.)

QL- mi Witnesses.

No. 606,722. Patented luly 5, |893.

- '3. n. KINNEY a G. P. BARNARD.

BURIAL APPARATUS.

(Application led July 29, 1897.) (No Model.) 2 Sheets-SheetZ.

JIL TUT f s/ML Witnesses.

Attorney.

UNITED `STATES PATENT OFFICE.'

v RIoI-IARD R. IIINNEY AND GARDNER P. BARNARD, or ooLDwA'rnR, MICHIGAN, AssIGNoRsor donn-THIRD To WILLIAM L. RAR'rI-I, or

SAME PLAGE.

BURIAL APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming'part of Letters Patent Np. 606,722, ated July 5, 1898.

- Application lod July 29, 1897. Serial No. 6436.347. (No model.)

To a/Zwi/om it may concern.-

Be it known that we, RICHARD R.V KINNEY and GARDNER P. BARNARD, citizens of the United States, residing at the city of Cold Wasimplify the construction of such apparatus;

second, to provide an improved brake mechanism for controlling thelowering apparatus; third, to provide improved gearing and connections for controlling and operating the lowering apparatus; fourth, to provide improved means for releasingk v the lowering straps or ropes; fifth, to provide improved means of winding vthe lowering-ropes and guiding the same sixt-l1, to provide improved connections for the opposite sides of the device so arranged as ,to permit the folding of the halves of the same together.

Further objects will definitely appear in the detailed description to follow.

We accomplish these objects of ourinventionby the devices and means described in this specification, denitely pointed out in the claims, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure lis a top plan view of our improved apparatus with portions of the casing broken away to show details of construction. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on line 2 2 of Fig. l, showing .the details of construction of one of the windlasses and guiding means for the rope. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional View on line 3 3 of Fig. l, showing the connections and arrangement of parts between the two sides of the machine. Fig. 4. is an enlarged detail sectional view taken on aline corresponding to line 4 4t of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view of the operating-wheel J Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the brake mechanism Vin position in the frame, taken on a line corresponding to line 6 6 of Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the same,

taken on a lin-e corresponding to line 7 7 of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged detail view vshowing the means of applying the crank to wind up the lowering-ropes, the hub to which the crank is applied being shown in section 5 5 on line 8 8 of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail plan view of one of the windlasses of the machine, showing the guide for the rope thereon. Fig. l0 is an enlarged detail sectional View of the same, taken on line 6o 10710 of Fig. 9. Fig. ll is an enlarged detail sectional view of the releasing device for the ends of the lowering-ropes, taken on line 11 ll of Fig. l. y Fig. l21is anenlarged end elevation of the part shown in Fig. ll. Fig. 6 5 13 is an enlarged detail of the gage for locating the coffin or casket when placed in the same, being a sectional view taken on line 13 13 of Fig. l. Fig. 14. is an enlarged detail rear elevation of the same. Fig. l5 illustrates 7o the means of controlling the brake mechanism when it is desired to control the same by the hand instead of by the foot, showing connections to the controlling-shaft J for that purpose.

In the drawings allof the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section-lines, and similar letters of reference refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Y Referring to the lettered parts of the drawings, A represents the casing for the apparatus and its supporting-frame. This consists of two symmetrical halves hinged together on the under side at the center, so that they can 85 be folded upon each other. The sides and ends of the frame are made up of a rectangular casing which contains the operating mechanism, which is concealed from View by the said casing with the except-ion of the parts 9o which project for manipulation and operation of the same.

Shafts C G extend Alongitudinally lof l' the frame on each side within the casing. On. the ends of these shafts are secured small 9 5 sprocket-wheels C C, which are connected by a crossed sprocket-chain G, which of course operates the same in opposite directions. Toward the center of the frame, near the hinge e, are blocks b, which proj ect between the two me parts of the chains and prevent their rubbing against or catching onto each other, as clearly appears in Figs, i) and l. '.lo the under side ol the frame at this point are secured sheets of leather or similar materials c c opposite slots in the easing,whieh permit the chain to sag and rub without rattling. A loop j" is also secured to one of the halves to serve as a support for the chain when the frame is folded.

On shafts (I tl are supported windlasses D, two on each side of the frame, which control and operate the lowering-cords ll. rlhese windlasses are the same on each sido, so only the two on one side are illustrated. 'lhese windlasses are provided with spiral grooves for the reception of the cord or rope, and the two windlasses on each side are oppositely threaded, so that as the rope is wound up or unwound it moves from or to the center. 'lhe windlasses opposite each other in the case are also oppositely threaded, so that their motion carries the lowering-rope parallel and evenly to prevent any uneven motion of the same. On each windlass is a guide l, which embraces the same so that itv engages the spiral grtiuwes, wh ich act upon it like the threads of a screw on a nut and carry it along. An eye is provided on this guide through which the rope extends, so that the rope is carried along and distributed even y in the grooves, making the winding and unwinding of the same positive and even.

Secured to th t side of the casing toward the inside from the windlass are small shafts or rods F', earryinggu iding-sheaves F, which engage and carry the lowering ropes ol' cords lt and move back and forth with the same to prevent" strain and friction in winding and unwinding. '.lhe rods F are supported by anysuitablemeans,preferablytheln'acketsu.

On the inner ends of the cord ll are links or loops m. in, as clearly appears in Fig. ll. 'l`hc small plate I is provided with projecting wings 5/ f/ to each side at one end to retain the sante inthe uprightposition when the burialease or other load is placed. upon it. Fins ll ll', vioined together by a top plate l', which has a depending portion le", having a foot 'i at the bottom, engage the links 11i/nt at the center. \\'hen a coflin is placed upon the plates land the links ynl nl are engaged bythe plusI if li, the same will be supported until it is lowered to the bottom ofthe grave or in the rough box at the bottoni. \\vhen the foot 'll strikes the bottom, the weight of the coffin or load presses down the plate l, which cat'- ries down the linl-s m m past the bottom of the pinsl il l', thus releasing the ends of the ropes or cords ll ll, which can then be withdrawn. lt will be observed that this releases the ends of the liMering-ropes autoinatically when the load reaches the bottom. \\'hen the ropes are released, they are wound up by the means hereinafter described.

At the head end of the frame A we provide a gage rourdsting of the bracket Y. cect'xred thereto by insertion in loops t li, having an ad j ustablc head 'i with contact-plate nr forgu iding the collin to be placed on the apparatus, as clearly appears in Figs. l, 1S, and lt. llccause thc shafts C C are connected together positively by a sprocket-chain G- it is only necessary to control one of them, and we onlyd provide apparatus and brake mechanism for controlling 011e of them. 0n the end of the shaft C is a beveled gear l. A shaft L extends vertically and is supported in frame l), which carries the gearing inside the casing. rlhe shaft L bears the beveled gear l), which meshes with the gear l. on the end of shaft C. On the upper end of the shaft Tl is secured a gear M by a suitable key or other means. Another shaft N is parallel thereto and carries a gear M. '.l`he gear )t meshes with the gear iit' 011 the shaft N. On the shaft N is supported a plain pulley N, to which the brake is applied. The upper end of the shaft N contains a socket to receive a crank S for winding the same. A metal band (l, with a leather or similar facing O, extends around the plain pulleyN, which is the brakewhcel. rlhe band O and facing O form the brakeshoe.

On the ends of the band f) are small brackets R tf. The brackctlt' is screw-threaded.Y A shaft J extends through the same, having a screw-thread on its end which lits into the bracket l. A suitable collar on the rod or shaft J engages outside the bracket lt, so that when a shaft is rotated it operates either to close or open thc brackets l-t l and apply or release the brake.

A link Q is pivoted on the loop Q' and extends around the bracket lt and fi ts loosely over the screw-thread of the shaft .l between the brackets lt lt', so that it merely supports the brake N in this position without lneventing its free action and allows the brake-wheel l\" to rotate within the brake, but alfords its resistance against its tendency to revolve when the brake is applied to resist the load. As the link Q` plays freely on therod .l the operation of the rod or shaft has no effect upon the even application of the brake U' on wheel N. On the end ot' the rod .l' we secure an actuating-rod by a suitable sleeve h'. (ln the end ot' the rod is an operating-whcel J", (see Figs. l. and which extends outside the frame and affords the means of applying or releasing the brake. This can be done by the foot of the operator, which is a very convenicntandinconspicuousmeans. \\"hereit is desired, however, an additionalconnection with rod J'" can he provided, as appears in Fig. l5, by means of the intermediate beveled gears or any other suitable conniw-,tion to operate the same by hand.

llaving thus described the various parts and the arrangement of our improved burial apparatus, we will now indicate briefly the method of its operation.

The complete frame, as it appears in Fig. l, is placed above the grave with the lowering- IOO IIO

ropes connected with the means illustrated. The gage 'n is set at the right point at thehead, and the coffin is placed upon the plates'I I, which are retained in their proper position by the wings g g. W'hen the whole is in readiness, the operating-wheel J" is turned until the weight of the load operates the windlasses D D and the coffin begins to descend. Owing to the intermediate gearing and the action of the brake on wheel N' it will descend gradually to the bottom of the grave. When it reaches the bottom of the grave or the usual rough i box, the foot T of the detaching device strikes the bottoln and the upper ,portion is pressedA down over the same, releasing the links m m. Vhen this is done, the ropes are easily and quickly drawn back by means of a small crank or key S, inserted into the socket of the shaft N, and the apparatus can then be removed, as its work is done.

Having thus described our improved burial apparatus, we desire to state that our improved windlasses and guiding apparatus can be successfully used in other connections than we have here illustrated. We also desire to state that it is not an absolute necessity that the frame be a folding frame, though it is a great convenience, though the structure accomplishes results which we consider to be valuable. The gage at the head of the frame is not an absolute necessity, though very desirable. Ve are aware that other connections and gearing could be used in connection with our improved brake to make up a brake mechanism, though the exact brake structure we have produced is also* of great advantage. Other variations will, no doubt, readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art to which our invention pertains.

Having thus described our invention,what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. In a burial apparatus, the combination of a suitable framework; longitudinal shafts C,C,to each side supported therein; sprocketwheels C', C', on the ends of said shafts; a crossed sprocket chain G, connecting the same; a block b between the parts of the chain to prevent their engaging and rubbing upon each other; windlasses D, D, D,

-D, two on each shaft opposite each other formed with right and left hand spirals facing each other; lowering-ropes H, to rest in said spirals; guides E, engaging said spirals to be carried thereby and having eyes for the passage of the ropes; and rods F', toward the inside of said frame carrying sheaves F, to receive the lowering-ropes.

' 2. In a burial apparatus, the combination of a suitable framework, longitudinal shafts 0,0, to each side supported therein; sprocketwheels C', C', on the ends of said shafts; a crossed .sprocket-chain G, connecting the same; a block b between 'the parts of the chain to prevent their engaging and rubbing upon each other formed with right and "'left hand spirals facing each other; lowering-` ropes H, to rest in said spirals; guides E, engaging said spirals to be carried thereby and having eyes for the passage of the ropes; and rods F', toward the lowering-ropes; a detaching device between the ends of the ropes; and suitable brake mechanism to apply to one of the shafts, all coacting together substantially as described for the purpose specified.

3. In a burial apparatus the combination of a suitable frame; shafts to each side thereof, windlasses on said shafts opposite to each side containing right and left hand spirals; lowering-ropes adapted to be received by said spirals; guides engaging the spirals on said windlasses to be carried thereby having suitable eyes for the passage of theropes; suitable means of detaching the lowering-ropes and means for controlling the shafts, for the purpose specified.

4:. In an apparatus of` the class described, the combination of a windlass D, containing a suitable spiral groove; a rope or cable therefor; guide E, engaging said spirals to be carried thereby containing a suitable eye for the passage of the rope to deliver the same into the spirals, for the purpose specified.

5. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination of a windlass D,`containing a suitable spiral groove, a rope or cable therefor; guide E engaging said spirals to be carried thereby containing a suitable eye for the passage of the rope to deliver the same into the spirals; a shaft extending parallel with said windlass bearing a suitable guidingroller adapted to slide over the same to receive Vand guide the rope, for the purpose specified.

6. In a burial apparatus, the combination of lowering-ropes; a separate releasing device between the ropes consisting of a plate I, with laterally-projecting wings g g, pins U, U, joined together by a plate I', having a depending portion I", with a foot T at the bottom to engage loops upon the lowering-ropes so that when a load is lowered the plate I,

will press down uponthe loops and force them below the pins and thereby release the said ropes, for the purpose specified.

7. In a burial apparatus, the combination of suitable shafts carrying windlasses, ropes adapted to extend therefrom across a grave;

IOC)

IIO

a brake mechanism consisting of a pinion P',

bracing the wheel N', brackets R, R', containing screw-threads on the ends of said band O, rod J, with a screw-thread for adjusting said brackets R,R', toapply and release the brake; a link Q, supported on a loop Q', and loosely surrounding the rod J, between the brackets R, R', to support the same and suitable means IZO of rotating the shaft J, to apply and release, coacting [or the purpose specified.

S. In a burial apparatus, the combination of suitable shafts with windlasses thereon for actuating and controlling the lowering-ropes; a brake-wheel with a band O, having a facing W, of leather or similar material round the saine to Iorin a bra-lie; a suitable rod with a screw at its end extending through brackets on the ends of said bands for applying and releasing the brake; a link oonneeting the saine with the supporting-case and a train of gears between the brake-wheel and the controlling-shaft for the purpose specified.

Si. In a burial apparatus the combination of a suitable frame; lowering-ropes; means of controlling the saine and a suitable gage consisting' ol abraeket V, with an adjustable rod i, having a guide-plate '11 at its end to locate the coffin or Casket in position for the purpose specilied.

Il). In a burial device a frame corresponding to the top of a grave divided longitudinally into two parts; hinges joining the said parts so they may fold on each other; lowering mechanism 011 each part; a ehain or belt connecting the parts together, and a separating-block l), and loop j" to support the same and prevent displacement in folding as specied.

In witness whereof we have hereunto set our hands and seals in the presence of two witnesses.

RICHARD R. KINNEY. lL. s.|

GARDNER P. IEARNARD. |ri. sf] lVitnesses:

.FRANK I3. RnvNrni'ns,

NonnAN A. l-mYNoLns. 

